Government will take initiative to benefit daily wage workers with social security like pension, insurance

Now daily wage workers will also come under the purview of social security like the organized sector employees. The government is preparing to introduce a social security contribution system for these people soon. The platforms employing these workers will have to deduct a fixed part of their payment and deposit it in the Employees' Pension Scheme. Instead of this, the government can contribute an additional 3 to 4 percent of the amount deposited.

According to a report, this initiative includes not only the employees of food delivery and ride-hailing platforms but also software professionals and other employees. The labor code implemented a few years ago included social security provisions for daily wage workers. However, these codes have not been implemented yet, as many states have not yet harmonized with them.

Daily wage workers work on multiple platforms simultaneously. Paying entities can easily deduct and deposit the prescribed amount with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation. We are finalizing the details. Hopefully, it will be implemented soon, said a senior official of the Labour Ministry. The Centre is collaborating with the states to push the labor codes.

The Code on Social Security provides for setting up a social security fund. It provides health, accident, and other benefits. Some months ago, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had hinted that social security for daily wage workers may be implemented ahead of the full implementation of the labor code. A panel has been set up for this.

Providing social security for daily wage workers has become a major priority of the government. Several surveys have highlighted the lack of adequate protection. The labor ministry is also engaging with platforms to extend the benefits of existing schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and accident-life insurance, to gig workers. Some states have already announced measures to ensure social security.